Oregon’s prior emergency management director, Andrew Phelps, was one of several agency heads who left after Kotek’s election
OREGON NEWS
Wyden, Merkley press Medicaid administrator on Oregon automatic voter registration expansion
A new state law will automatically add Medicaid recipients to state voter rolls, but only if the federal government allows the Oregon Health Authority to share data.
Oregon attorney general joins Democratic peers calling for strategy to curb new plastic production
Democratic attorneys general want an aggressive EPA strategy to reduce new plastic production, but their Republican peers want EPA to step aside.
Oregon audit finds lack of transparency in Medicaid prescription system
Secretary of State auditors recommend changes to provide equal prescription access to all Oregon Health Plan members.
Oregon emergency officials look to 2020 wildfires for lessons learned
State officials said more needs to be done to share data between agencies when responding to wildfires so survivors see fewer delays and don’t have to repeat their stories dozens of times.
Gov. Kotek signs abortion and hospital staffing bills
Gov. Tina Kotek has signed House Bill 2002, which shores up access to abortions and gender-affirming health care. The bill was a key driver of the Senate Republicans walkout.
As Oregon fires rage, Chavez-DeRemer joins push for higher firefighter pay
Federal wildland firefighters received temporary raises last year that are set to expire at the end of September. A bipartisan group is pushing to make raises permanent.
Oregon Department of Corrections tab for lawsuit tops $3 million
The state corrections agency is on the hook to pay nearly $740,000 for legal costs after two state employees alleged retaliation and won a $2.4 million judgment.
As Oregon faces a mental health crisis, state leaders ask for patience as they tackle problems
Gov. Tina Kotek, who signed six bills on behavioral health that were passed by the Legislature, says more work needs to be done.
Oregon employment officials prep for launch of paid leave program
State officials predict there will be bumps along the way as Oregon rolls out a paid family and medical leave program.